Design – Exploration, Competitiveness and AYDA

Ar. Tawhid Khan
 Director- Nativity SustEnable Development Design  
Visiting Faculty – Dayananda Sagar College of Architecture 

Design – Exploration and Competitiveness  

Do we perceive design and the design process as an individualistic perception or a mutually agreeable, logically driven method and end result, which can therefore be evaluated and even compared. Most will agree with the idea of design being perceived largely as an individual vantage ground. How, then do we reconcile that notion with the idea of competitiveness in design. It is arguably, also true that many great designers and design languages, have emerged through some kind of a competitive process or straight forward design competitions. And Design in practice as well as in academics has benefited hugely, due to a certain type and amount of competitiveness present around, even if one doesn’t jump into it oneself. The idea of competitiveness may seem antithetical to a largely accepted understanding of design however, it becomes possibility if we consider that competitive need not necessarily mean comparison of the individuality but of the parameters of the design brief. It then, is not only a fine possibility but an essential tool of the development of the field. Design competitions therefore become a powerful tool of growth, not only for the field but also for individual designers’ self-exploration. The challenge of comprehending the complexity of the design brief sensitively and empathetically and delving deep into one’s own self to look for an appropriate response to its complexity is rewarding to the designer in the long run as well as the fulfilling with the immediate thrill of the process. One may win or not, but one does explore one’s own mind in a way that one normally could never imagine under non-competitive circumstances. Participating in a design competition, one may win or not win but one never loses.  

Design- Academic and Industry  

It is delightful to observe the result when the academic world and the industry collaborate, especially in the field of design. All stakeholders benefit from this event- an essential factor of a truly Sustainable Development. AYDA from Nippon Paint is such a platform – in the form of a design competition- which is a great enabler for Design enthusiasts and students. Especially the idea of a mentored Competition is a great way to ensure an in-depth exploration of the design brief as well as the individual mind. The depth of exploration therefore ensures a greater dimensionality of the end result. The reach of participation of this competition will also ensure a vast variety of ideas. The expectation of such a reach and a potential variety of ideas pushes one more, to excel and look deeper- try harder.  

Learning never ends in general. There are many platforms for learning today, from classroom to workshops, from individual mentorships to knowledge-based festivals and so on. A Competition is one such powerful platform for learning and self-exploration as a designer. For someone associated with design in anyway, one hopes to keep learning and exploring, hoping to reinvent one’s own self with a variety of perceptions of reality and visions of imagination. Never gets dull if one wishes so. And competitions are one way of ensuring that.